Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Creamy Frosting
- Cream Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish: For an added touch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cake for decoration.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is perfect for sharing and is sure to impress everyone with its delightful flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Pineapple: Be sure to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
- Chill the Frosting: If the frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern flavors and hospitality. With its moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful crunch from the pecans, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Bring a slice of Southern charm to your table with this delicious treat, and watch as it disappears in a flash!